Constructing Marriage: Exploring Marriage as an Ideograph

Abstract

The gay marriage debates, high divorce rates, and scandals involving polygamists have all drawn attention to the concept of marriage. After an analysis of qualitative survey data, this essay argues that participants' responses construct “marriage” as a term that functions as an ideograph, thus becoming marriage. Although marriage is abstract, it becomes concretized through its function as a point of contention between ideologically opposed groups. In addition, respondents call for a return to the traditional sense of marriage as reflected in their desire for marriage to be defined as commitment, rather than simply love.

Keywords:

• Ideograph
• Marriage
• Same-Sex Marriage

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Heather Stassen

Heather Stassen (PhD, Ohio University, 2010) is a visiting assistant professor in the Communication Department, Hamilton College, 198 College Hill Road, Clinton, NY 13323.

Benjamin Bates

Benjamin Bates (PhD, University of Georgia, 2003) is an associate professor in the School of Communication Studies, Ohio University, 009 Lasher Hall, Athens, OH 45701.